GYMNASTICS : U.S. Men Win Silver in Barcelona

The U.S. men’s gymnastics team took a major step toward gaining international respectability when it won the silver medal in team competition at the recent Pre-Olympic Invitational in Barcelona, Spain.

The Soviet Union won the gold medal with 579.175 points to 568.20 for the United States. But the Americans’ goal was not to beat the Soviets, but to finish high enough to regain credibility and enhance their reputation in the international judging community.

The U.S. team--which includes three gymnasts from UCLA, led by Scott Keswick--accomplished its goal by beating four nations in the meet, three of which finished higher than the United States at the last World Championships, in 1989.

The United States finished nearly 2.5 points ahead of Japan and more than five points ahead of Hungary. Japan took the bronze medal with 565.75, followed by Hungary at 562.725. Spain finished fifth at 555.825, followed by Germany at 553.975.

A major factor in the success of the United States was its second-place finish in the compulsory exercise competition, a traditional weakness that was overcome through special emphasis in training.

“Right now, we are looking to stay ahead of the countries that have beat us in the World Championships,” said Art Shurlock, UCLA’s gymnastics coach.

“This is our immediate goal, to go for second or third place at the World Championships. We beat China at the Goodwill Games. Later, we can think about the Soviets.”

The top four spots in the all-around competition were won by Soviets. Vitali Scherbo finished first with 116.575 points, followed by Valeri Liukin (115.825), Valeri Belenki (115.025) and Igor Korobchinski (114.625).

Keswick finished fifth with 114.225 points and Lance Ringnald of Albuquerque, N.M., was seventh at 114 points. Jarrod Hanks of the University of Oklahoma finished 15th, followed by Nebraska’s Patrick Kirksey at 16th and UCLA’s Chainey Umphrey and Chris Waller at 18th and 19th, respectively.

The U.S. team will train at Ohio State for the World Championships, which will be held Sept. 6-15 at Indianapolis.